rung

1 of 2

past participle of ring

rung

2 of 2

noun

ˈrəŋ 

1

a

: a rounded crosspiece between the legs of a chair

b

: one of the crosspieces of a ladder

2

Scotland : a heavy staff or cudgel

3

: a spoke of a wheel

4

: a level in a hierarchy

rise a few rungs on the social scale

—H. W. Van Loon

Synonyms

Noun

• degree
• echelon
• footing
• level
• place
• position
• rank
• ranking
• reach(es)
• situation
• standing
• station
• status
• stratum

Examples of rung in a Sentence

Noun

He was on the bottom rung on the corporate ladder.

the top rung of society

the lowest rung of the pay scale

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The title pushes forward more than 10 rungs on the Billboard 200, re-entering the highest half of the list. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Several rungs down the Happy Hollow adolescent social ladder, three of the couple’s outcast peers struggle to attract an audience for their metal band, Dethkrunch. —Judy Berman, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Just two rungs lower comes Gaga’s second and only other new placement on those lists. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

The new Squamish Via Ferrata enables non-climbers to ascend the Chief, using ladder-like rungs and safety cables. —Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hrung crossbar; akin to Goth hrunga staff and perhaps to Old English hring ring — more at ring

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing rung

• get/have one's bell rung

Kids Definition

rung

1 of 2

past participle of ring entry 3

rung

2 of 2 noun

ˈrəŋ 

: a rounded part placed as a crosspiece between the legs of a chair

also : one of the crosspieces of a ladder

Medical Definition

rung

past part of ring